Contact(s):
Ann Erdman
(626) 375-2742

PASADENA SENIOR CENTER ESTABLISHES HOTLINE
FOR OLDER ADULTS IN NEED OF EMERGENCY FOOD, HYGIENE PRODUCTS
-- IN-KIND DONATIONS REQUESTED TO KEEP PANTRY STOCKED --

Adults 60 and older who find themselves in need of food or hygiene products and have nowhere else to turn are encouraged to call the Pasadena Senior Center at 626-795-4331 during regular hours or a new hotline at the center – 626-685-6725 – and leave voicemails detailing their respective needs. Hotline calls are returned within 24 hours.

During the coronavirus crisis, the Pasadena Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday because it has been deemed an essential service provider for older adults.

A food pantry at the center is running low due to requests from low-income older adults, including homeless older adults, who are finding store shelves bare. Ordinarily, the pantry is stocked with Cup O’ Noodles, Vienna sausages, individually wrapped peanut butter and jelly crackers, granola bars, pull-top canned meats, including tuna, chicken, salmon and Spam, dried or canned pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, chili, soups, rice, pinto or refried beans, oatmeal packets, boxed potatoes and juices.

Low-income older adults who are raising their grandchildren also have expressed a growing need for food for the children.

Hygiene products include disposable pullups, such as Depend underwear, especially in large and extra-large sizes, toilet paper and baby wipes.

“Fourteen percent of older adults in Pasadena live below the poverty line and are the fastest growing population at risk of becoming homeless,” said Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center. “Their need is great, but the center’s resources are dwindling.”

To donate hygiene products or non-perishable food that does not require a can opener, contact Pam Kaye at 626-685-6756.

For more information about the food pantry program, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Ways to Give, then Donate an Item from Our Wish List or call 626-685-6732.

For more information about the programs and services of the Pasadena Senior Center, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.

Now in its 60th year of providing programs and services to the greater Pasadena community, the Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that does not receive funding from any government agency.